Tips for Keeping Your Portable Toilet Safe

Portable toilets are a wonderful thing. They provide people with a safe, decently clean place to use the bathroom, often in areas where they otherwise could not have gone to the bathroom. However, when you provide a portable toilet to people, you should do everything you can to ensure their safety while using these toilets.

Take a look at five tips for increasing the safety of your portable toilets.

1. Disinfect the Unit Regularly

Like any bathroom, portable toilets are great breeding grounds for bacteria, the kind of bacteria that can cause people to get sick. For example, E.coli, staph, and salmonella are common germs found in restrooms.

Thus, a smart thing for you to do is to regularly clean and disinfect the portable toilet or toilets you offer. A simple wipe-down with a disinfectant wipe every few hours can do wonders for keeping people safe from dangerous bacteria.

When you do this, wipe down the handle, the toilet seat, and any other place where people's bodies are likely to come in contact with a surface. Establishing a schedule of cleanings throughout an event can go a long way toward making portable toilets safer, healthier spaces.

2. Place Toilets on a Flat Surface

One mistake that people often make when setting up their portable toilets is putting them on an incline.

If you're not careful, this placement could easily lead to the unit toppling over, potentially taking the person inside with it.

Your best bet, when setting up a portable toilet, is to place it on flat, solid ground only. A good company can help to ensure that the surface and general area you have chosen for your portable toilet is one that poses a low risk of danger or toppling.

3. Stake the Toilet Down

If you want to go the extra mile in increasing stability, consider staking down your portable toilet. Staking the toilet will prevent shaking, toppling, and other issues.

While staking can be useful in any situation, it is an especially good idea when portable toilets are being used on windy days or when other issues are present that could make the toilet less stable.

4. Offer a Hand-Washing Station

Portable toilets, despite your best disinfecting efforts, are still going to contain some germs and bacteria. After all, they're toilets.

In addition to regular wipe-downs, you can help to reduce the spread of bacteria by providing a hand-washing station on site. Often, the same companies that rent portable toilets will also rent these handy stations. Some portable toilets even have a little sink inside.

If your portable toilet doesn't come equipped with a sink, or even if it does, try to offer an area to wash hands or at least some hand sanitizer to reduce the spread of bacteria and bacteria's inherent danger.

5. Don't Impede Safety With the Placement

When you place your portable toilet, stability is not the only thing you have to think about. You also want to make sure that your toilet doesn’t impede any item or area important for safety.

For example, you would never want to place your portable toilet so that it blocks a fire extinguisher or a parking spot designated for emergency vehicles.

Remember, emergencies happen when you least expect them, so being careful to keep a clear path to and for all safety-related items is vital.

If you follow these tips, your portable toilet will provide a safe experience for all who use it. If you need more help or advice for increasing portable toilet safety, contact our team of experts at Tom's Sewer and Septic Service. We are dedicated to providing excellent customer service.

Tips for Portable Toilets at Sporting Events

If you host outdoor sporting events, you know the struggle of trying to keep facilities clean. Portable toilets certainly have a reputation for being smelly and dirty, but this simply doesn’t have to be the case. At your next sporting event, you can fight back against the stereotypes about portable toilets.

Sporting events can be tricky because they attract such a wide breadth of people, from families to groups enjoying adult beverages. But you can find options for clean, sanitary toilets. Read on to learn more.

Consider Deodorizers

Portable toilets are small, so you can benefit from having toilets that are designed to smell better. Deodorizers can keep portable toilets clean and fresh without much physical maintenance. Plus, many companies specialize in deodorizing toilets without harsh chemicals that become too strong in tight quarters.

If you do opt for a deodorizer for your toilet, consider those that have disinfecting properties. These are the most sanitary option for your portable toilet, and they work double duty by cleaning away bacteria while also creating a fresh scent for the bathrooms.

Rent Flushing Toilets

While many people associate portable toilets with stagnant liquid, many portable toilets can actually flush. This eliminates bad smells and improves the appearance of the portable toilet. Sporting events may be the perfect opportunity to rent flushable toilets.

Some people prefer to mix toilet options. For example, your sporting event might have a VIP section that is closed off. You can rent a trailer with flushing toilets for these smaller, VIP groups to ensure they have luxurious toilet options.

Have Enough Toilets

One of the biggest mistakes sporting events coordinators make is not knowing how many toilets to order for a sporting event. You need to pay close attention to the number of spectators when you host a sporting match, but if you are hosting a race, you need to take into account the number of racers in addition to the number of spectators.

People become frustrated when they spend a lot of time in line. Rent enough portable toilets to ensure your event-goers are not intimidated or angry at the situation.

Pay Attention to Hand Hygiene

You would be surprised to know how many sporting events fail to offer adequate handwashing facilities. If you want to keep the event as germ-free as possible, you simply must rent handwashing centers in addition to toilets. Water, soap, and paper towels encourage sports fans to wash their hands before ordering food or touching hand rails at the stadium.

If your sporting event has food, you definitely want employees washing their hands after using the restroom, too. Handwashing facilities that include internal hand sanitizing liquids are great for individuals who will be serving food at the event.

In fact, hand sanitizing stations may be the best bet if your sporting event is going to attract hundreds or thousands of participants. This is because handwashing stations that involve water can run out of fluid relatively quickly. You will require more maintenance when you have water and soap stations.

Work With a Reputable Company

A reputable portable toilet company is crucial for maintaining clean standards for your event. Reputable companies understand the needs of event coordinators planning sporting events, which present their own unique needs.

Whether you have sports fans tailgating at your event or you are hosting a child's sports tournament, clean bathrooms are a priority. Understanding cleanliness will give your guests a better experience all around.

Tom's Sewer and Septic Service understands your needs as an event coordinator. We work hard to satisfy the needs of our clients, no matter what kind of events they host. Call us today to discuss portable toilets for your next event.

Tips for Placing Marathon Bathrooms

Whether you love to run marathons or if you are setting up your first race altogether, you know how important portable toilets are. Portable toilets can be brought in for events of all types, whether you have thousands of runners or just a few. Don't overlook the necessity of portable toilets for your next race.

Are you unsure how to plan for the toilet situation for your next race? Read on to learn more about where to place the bathrooms along your marathon.

1. Opt for More Toilets

Marathon runners would always prefer that you have more toilets. Plus, you must consider the staff members and individuals spectating at the event. Everybody needs to have access to portable toilets throughout the race.

Keep in mind that races can last hours. The median finishing time to run a marathon for men is about four hours and 22 minutes, and the median time for women is about four hours and 48 minutes. This means that you need to consider the racers who may take longer than this, especially if you have festivities going on throughout the day.

In fact, a common complaint about the New York City Marathon is that there aren't enough portable toilets. Keep in mind that the New York City Marathon has more than 1,500 portable toilets at the starting corrals alone. Plan accordingly for the group you have attending, especially keeping in mind that many runners will be nervous before the start of the race.

2. Plan for Lines

No matter how many portable toilets you have, you can plan on there being some sort of line. The better you plan for lines, the less confusion you will create. People will have less of a problem waiting for a bathroom if you ensure the line is evident. People want to know how long they should expect to wait.

Also important is that you consider the amount of space the toilets and queue will take up. You do not want the stalls or lines blocking any part of the route, reducing the speed of the runners.

3. Mark the Toilets Properly

Keep runners in the know regarding where bathrooms are. Provide signs detailing the distance until the next bathroom to help runners determine where they will be able to relieve themselves. This reduces stress and allows your runners to feel better about the event.

You might also consider setting up separate urinals for a speedier process. This will help keep lines moving, especially for those who need a quicker stop. Many companies offering portable toilets will have several options you can choose from. With proper signage, you can make this process work for the runners.

4. Pay Attention to Portable Toilet Placement

Portable toilet rentals are great, but they do not help your runners if they are not accessible. Keep the portable toilets on firm ground that is not going to become muddy thanks to rain or people washing their hands. Runners do not want to step in mud that they will track along the route.

Additionally, pay attention to the lighting scheme if your race is very early or late in the day. Portable toilets should appear safe no matter the time of day or night.

5. Reach Out to a Reputable Company

You can answer many of your remaining questions about portable toilets at races by reaching out to a company that specializes in these toilets. In fact, Tom's can help you plan for your next race, whether it is a 5K or a marathon. Call us today to learn more about portable toilets in your area.

Improve Your Outdoor Wedding with the Help of Portable Toilets

When hosting an outdoor wedding, it's often a good idea to rent several portable toilets to set up around the venue. Renting portable toilets can actually help you improve your outdoor wedding for the following reasons.

Give Yourself More Options for Venues

Choosing a venue for your outdoor wedding is difficult enough as it is. When you have to worry about things like making sure that there are enough restrooms for everyone, it can really limit your options. If you are planning on renting portable toilets anyway, though, you can take this out of the equation.

Then, you can focus on other things throughout the process, like choosing a venue that has enough space for all of your guests and that sets the perfect backdrop for your ceremony.

Reduce Strain on Your Septic Tank

When hosting your wedding at home, you have to think about how your home will be affected. For example, if you have a ton of guests at your wedding, it can impact your septic tank, since your septic tank might not be designed for this type of heavy load.

If you bring in portable toilets, though, you can prevent your guests from needing to use your home restroom facilities at all. Encouraging your wedding guests to use portable toilets while at your event will not just help prevent septic tank problems, either; it will also help you avoid having to clean up a mess in your home, too.

Better Accommodate Your Guests

People should not have to worry about waiting in a long line to use the restroom when they are at your wedding. Depending on the size of the venue, the restroom facilities that are available, and the number of people who you are inviting to your wedding, though, this might be exactly what will happen.

You probably want your guests to spend more of their time dancing, mingling, and spending time with you and your other loved ones than waiting in line to use the bathroom. Considering the number of guests that will be attending your wedding and renting multiple portable toilets to accommodate these guests will help.

Then, people will not have to worry about the discomfort of waiting in line for the restroom, and you will not have to worry about your guests being bored while waiting in line rather than enjoying themselves on your big day. A professional portable toilet rental company can help you determine how many portable toilets to rent for an ideal wedding day.

Make Bathroom Access Convenient

When your guests are enjoying themselves at your wedding, you do not want them to feel like they have to travel too far away from the fun to use the facilities. Depending on where you are hosting your outdoor wedding, your guests might have to walk a fair distance away from the festivities to find the restrooms. With portable toilet rentals, though, you can make sure that restrooms are conveniently located.

Of course, you probably will not want to set the portable toilets up right next to where dinner is going to be served or where your guests will be sitting during the ceremony. With careful placement, though, you can make sure that portable toilets are easy to access without getting in the way of the atmosphere and appearance of your wedding.

As unromantic as it might seem, renting portable toilets might be the key to improving your outdoor wedding. Contact us at Tom's Sewer and Septic Service so that we can tell you more about our portable toilet and portable restroom rentals and how they can improve your event.

3 Fall Events That Benefit From a Portable Restroom Rental

Many people might think of multiple reasons to rent a portable restroom during the summer, such as when planning a summer block party, an outdoor wedding, or a music festival. Portable restroom rentals are handy all year long, though. These are some of the times when a portable restroom rental might be helpful this fall.

1. Hosting a Bonfire

Now that the temperatures are starting to cool down, you might enjoy being outside more than you did during the summer. In fact, fall is the perfect time to host a bonfire. You don't have to worry about hot temperatures or summer bugs, and the fire can help add warmth and light up the night on fall evenings when it gets dark earlier.

If you're planning on hosting a bonfire, you might be hoping to keep the festivities outdoors rather than in the house. In fact, you might even be hosting the bonfire somewhere in the country, far away from your home. This means that you will probably want to provide restroom facilities for all of the guests.

Luckily, portable restroom rentals are perfect for this. Some of them even include lighting, so you and your bonfire guests will easily be able to see even if you tuck the portable restroom a little ways away from the bonfire and festivities.

2. Setting Up a Haunted House or Corn Maze

If you're someone who has fun spooking others on Halloween, you could be hoping to set up a haunted house. You might want to set one up on your own property, or you could be planning one to raise money for an organization in your area.

Even though you have probably had a ton of fun planning all of the props and decorations for the haunted house, you have to make sure to provide basic facilities for everyone too. After all, the people who visit the haunted house might need to use the facilities after they see all of the scares that you have in store.

A portable restroom rental isn't just good for haunted houses. A portable restroom also great for other similar events, such as corn mazes.

3. Having Family Over for Thanksgiving

You might have never thought about renting a portable restroom when inviting family over for Thanksgiving. After all, your guests probably use the bathrooms in your home while they're there to enjoy the turkey and all of the trimmings.

If you are only having a few guests over for the holiday, renting a portable restroom might not be necessary. However, a portable restroom rental can be handy for bigger events with more guests.

For one thing, with a portable restroom rental, you don't have to worry about opening up all of the bathrooms in your home. For example, you might not want to let everyone use your master bathroom, but you might have felt obligated to in the past to ensure that there were enough facilities for everyone. With a portable restroom rental, you don't have to worry about this and can maintain some privacy.

If you have a smaller home, you might not even have enough restrooms in your home for all of your guests to use. If you are inviting a lot of people but only have one bathroom, for example, people may have to wait to use the restroom.

Lastly, you can put less pressure on your septic tank or sewage system by renting a portable restroom on Thanksgiving. You might already be putting your septic or sewage system through a lot of work during that week when you're cleaning up your home and preparing food. When you add more guests washing their hands and using your bathrooms, the extra usage will add to the pressure.

Renting a portable restroom can help make planning fall festivities even easier. Contact us at Tom's Industrial Cleaning Service to find out more about renting portable toilets and portable restrooms for your fall events.

4 Reasons to Choose Restroom Trailers Over Portable Toilets

As an event planner for outdoor events, you know the importance of comfortable and safe portable toilets. In the past, you likely have used stand-alone portable toilets and offer the basic toilet services, which work well for smaller events or for public events like carnivals and community gatherings.

However, if you are expanding your event planning to weddings and anniversaries, you may want another option. Restroom trailers offer greater comfort and function for more formal events. Here are four reasons to consider this option.

1. Flushing ToiletsTo some people, the act of flushing the toilet gives the idea of a clean environment. After flushing, the person may feel that the waste has been taken away and that the stall is clean for the next person. The flushing option is also not something that many people expect when they hear about outdoor portable toilets.

A restroom trailer does have flushing toilets in all of the stalls. The toilets operate in the same manner as a traditional toilet in a public restroom or in your home. The familiar act of flushing provides a comfortable environment that makes individuals and families feel better about the experience.

2. Additional AmenitiesAs an event planner, you want the event to have the amenities that your client would be able to offer indoors. Some of these amenities include seating, shade, and food, but you might overlook the restroom facilities. You can offer several amenities by going with a restroom trailer for the event.

Restroom trailers can have fully functioned sinks. The trailers also offer upscale countertops, hand-washing stations, private stalls, and corporate-style tile or vinyl flooring. These amenities can make the outdoor event more enjoyable and offer an upscale area that reminds people of the time you took in the planning of the event. It feels more personal, and guests will feel as if you consider their comfort seriously.

These amenities are great for formal events, but they might be more trouble at large community gatherings, in which case, portable toilets might be a better choice.

3. Ventilation ChoicesGood ventilation is a necessity for guests at an outdoor wedding. Most bathrooms, even portable toilets, have ventilation of some kind, whether it be through a small exhaust fan, hooded fan, or a window of some sort. When you have multiple people at an outdoor event on a hot day, then the need for ventilation of your bathroom accommodations increases.

Restroom trailers have fully functional ventilation units. Exhaust fans remove the odors from the trailer throughout the event. Some restroom trailers also have fans that provide circulating cool air or heat depending on the time of year and the seasonal weather during the event.

4. Attendant OptionsIn the act of planning an event — especially if it is an involved event like a wedding — planners might neglect small additional touches like having an attendant for the bathroom area. For your event, an attendant can wait upon the restroom trailer to help with maintaining the restroom trailer.

The attendant on duty can also help with any issues that the guests have, including help up the ramp for those with walkers. They can also help with wheelchair access and guests with disabilities. This can make a huge difference to the safety of those with disabilities at the event as they try to move in and out of the trailer.

If you believe a restroom trailer would work out best for your next outdoor event, contact Tom's Sewer & Septic Service. We can assist you with different options, questions, pricing, and delivery. We can also assist you with other portable toilet needs for various events you will plan throughout the year.

How To Stay Safe With Portable Toilets

When you host major events, you want to provide a clean, safe place for your guests or employees to use the bathroom. When you use a portable toilet service, you must make sure that you have the best facilities to keep everybody using them safe from injury and illness.

Choosing a trustworthy company is the best way to keep your toilets safe, but you can also make some additional choices to ensure everybody has a great time at your event. This guide shows you how to keep your guests in good health and spirits at your next event.

Allow for Proper Hand Sanitation

Hand sanitation is a major concern for individuals using portable toilets. Many venues fail to offer proper hand sanitizing options. Renting portable sinks and offering soap can prevent disease and infection, especially if staff members are using these portable stations before serving food and drinks.

Even Hepatitis A comes from eating food prepared by an individual who did not wash their hands. To be extra cautious, use a piece of toilet paper or a paper towel to touch door handles and faucets.

Encouraging your guests, patrons, and staff members to wash their hands can cut down on instances of diarrhea, respiratory illness, Salmonella, and other serious health conditions. Offer a sink, soap, and antibacterial products to encourage health.

Consider Safe Locations

Not every location is ideal for a portable toilet. For instance, you should avoid placing the toilets immediately next to walkways and driveways. Otherwise, guests may open the doors into traffic or people walking by, injuring them.

If your event or project is near a major traffic site, keep your portable toilets away from the street. Construction workers, for instance, can be injured if a car was to careen into the portable unit.

Deter Vandals and Criminal Activity

In some cases, you might be keeping your portable toilets overnight, even for weeks at a time. If this is the case, keep the toilets in a well-lit area to deter criminal activity and vandalism. Without lights, criminals may think that they have a better chance of getting away with a crime, so lights may deter them from entering your property after hours or without permission.

Consider Special Needs of Guests

If you have guests at your event who have special needs, you should opt for wheelchair-accessible portable toilets. Seniors and children may also benefit from ramps with handrails. Failing to offer accessible units could be against the law if your event is open to the public.

Some guests may rely on having handrails and extra space to allow them to sit down safely. You can also ensure your guest's safety by renting portable toilets that offer good lighting.

Supervise Children

Small children should never go into a portable restroom alone for many different reasons. One reason is that the type of chemical used in some portable restrooms contains biocides and dyes, which can be harmful if ingested.

Additionally, children should be monitored to make sure that they wash their hands. Children are at high risk to contract conditions like influenza if they do not wash their hands.

Rent from a Safe and Clean Company

Many portable bathrooms are available, but you have the opportunity to try out different options to see what meets your needs. Whether you need to keep guests happy or provide for staff members, make sure you choose bathrooms that are clean, affordable, and well-maintained.

Are you thinking about renting portable toilets for an event or project? Now is the perfect time to inquire about your options. Call Tom's Industrial Cleaning Service today to learn more about portable options that are safe, clean, and reliable.

Considerations for Renting Portable Toilets for Your Construction Site

Construction site managers need to balance project costs with employee safety and government regulations. Toilets are typically not a priority when budgeting for a construction project, but careful consideration of your site's sanitary needs can make your worksite safer, improve employee productivity, and help you comply with OSHA requirements.

If you are seeking value for money, consider portable toilets as a sanitation solution for your job site. Read on to learn more about renting portable toilets for your construction site.

Cost

Cost is a major concern for construction site managers. Several factors will determine your budget for renting portable toilets. Generally, portable toilet rental companies offer a flat rate that includes the cost of transportation, cleaning and maintenance, and waste disposal.

Find out if your portable toilet provider offers discounts for long-term rentals. Negotiating for such preferential pricing can save you costs, especially for longer projects.

Other factors that may impact the cost of renting portable toilets for your site include the number of workers, the size of the construction site, and the availability of water.

Type

Portable toilets come in different styles to meet the specific needs of the client. Evaluate the conditions at your worksite to determine the type of sanitary solutions that suit your needs.

If you are looking to keep costs low, opt for standard, no-frills portable toilets. If you are working on a big construction site, consider portable toilets that can be safely hoisted to higher levels of a building or that can fit in an elevator for easy transportation.

Consult a portable toilets provider if you are unsure about the ideal type of toilets you need at your construction site.

Access

Another factor to consider is accessibility from the perspective of both the toilet rentals company and the workers who will be using the toilet.

Rental Company

A difficult-to-access construction site could still benefit from portable toilets, but the challenges of accessibility could have implications for costs.

Bear in mind that transportation can affect the cost of renting a portable toilet. For construction sites that are difficult to access, expect to pay more for portable sanitary solutions.

Workers

Consider accessibility issues for your workers as well. If yours is a small construction site, the placement of the portable toilets may not be as challenging as it would be in a larger construction site.

For expansive construction sites, develop a plan to strategically place sanitation facilities throughout the job site. Locate these facilities in busy areas that provide easy access for workers.

In addition to the size of the site, consider the number of workers to ensure that you rent enough portable toilets to install throughout the site to improve access.

Safety

Employers are responsible for providing workers with safe working conditions. When deciding where to place portable toilets, prioritize your workers' safety.

Avoid placing these facilities on main roads and driveways where workers face the risk of auto accidents. For road constructions, consider securing your portable toilets with strong fences or barriers.

Identify safe areas to place the portable toilets, and prepare these locations accordingly. Take time to clear the site and level the surface to ensure proper installation of these facilities.

Lastly, pay attention to the overall security of your worksite to prevent theft and vandalism of portable toilets. Consider installing the toilets in well-lit areas manned by security cameras. Night construction workers could also benefit from such a setup.

A lot goes into planning for sanitation solutions for your construction site. Although cost considerations are important, your sanitation plan should prioritize worker safety, access, and the specific needs of your worksite.

If you are looking to rent portable toilets for your construction site, you can trust the experts at Tom's Industrial Cleaning Service to help you set up sanitary facilities that best suit your needs. Call us today to learn more about our services.

Portable Toilets: What Options Are Available?

If you are renting portable toilets for the first time, you have a lot to consider. One important decision is choosing the right type of portable sanitation for your specific needs. An outdoor corporate event may require different types of portable toilets from a baby shower party or a construction site.

Here is a guide to the options you have when selecting suitable portable sanitation.

1. Basic Portable Toilets

A basic portable toilet rental is a no-frills, standalone unit with no flushing capabilities. The unit holds waste in a large tank. These units come with a toilet paper dispenser and others may have a urinal. Basic units are lightweight and are the most inexpensive option.

Consider this type of unit for construction sites and outdoor events with limited access to water. The basic portable toilet is especially suitable if you are on a tight budget and are seeking value for money.

On the downside, if not well maintained, non-flushing portable toilets can increase the risk of contamination and odors from human waste.

2. Standard Flushing Portable Toilets

Flushing portable toilets offer better sanitation and comfort. A standard unit features a closed holding tank and a foot pedal for flushing after use.

Ask your portable toilet provider about additions such as a small vanity section with a sink and a mirror, a soap dispenser, and options for hand drying. This will save you from renting a separate unit for hand cleaning.

Standard portable toilets are a low-cost option if you are looking for simple but presentable portable sanitation for just about any event including a wedding, barbeque, corporate gathering, or baby shower.

3. Hand Wash Units

If proper sanitation is a priority at your event, consider renting a separate hand wash station.

Typically located next to a group of portable toilets, hand wash units feature several sinks per unit with hand drying facilities, soap dispenser, and a foot-operated faucet.

Opt for a separate hand washing station especially for events with dedicated food preparation areas. These units will also help you comply with state laws on sanitation requirements for work sites.

4. ADA Compliant Portable Toilets

Hire portable toilets that comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) if you are expecting handicapped guests or guests with mobility issues.

ADA portable toilets are special types of units and may cost more than the standard portable toilet. These units are larger and provide extra room, comfort, and wheelchair accessibility.

Preferably, go for ADA portable toilets that do not have a ramp to make the units more accessible to everyone with special mobility requirements.

Additional features include grab bars, anti-slip floors, easy flush buttons, and self-closing faucets. In addition to these special features, handicap-accessible units come with the standard amenities including a soap dispenser, toilet paper dispenser, and hand-drying options.

5. Portable Restroom Trailers

Consider portable restroom trailers if you are looking to impress your guests. These units are ideal for glitzy corporate events, VIP parties, and weddings.

Restroom trailers feature several stalls and an option for a urinal area. You may have separate trailers for your male and female guests to cater to their unique sanitation needs.

These units come with a host of amenities found in indoor restrooms including porcelain sinks with marble tops, high-end flooring, opulent lighting fixtures, air conditioning, and a powder room.

The features available in restroom trailers can vary. Ask your portable toilet provider about the amenities available in their luxury restroom trailers, based on the unique needs of your event.

Portable toilet rentals offer a convenient and cost-effective way to cater to the sanitary needs of your guests. Choosing the right type of portable units can make all the difference for your event or work site.

At Tom's Industrial Cleaning Service, we have an array of clean and functional portable toilets to make your event a success. Get in touch with us to schedule a rental today.

Make Your Bathroom Remodel Smoother by Renting a Portable Toilet

Bathroom renovations are one of the most common home remodeling projects because the high-moisture environment quickly ages even the toughest materials. Yet when you're living in a home with just one bathroom, choosing to remodel it may mean losing access to your toilet and shower for a few weeks.

While you can have temporary toilets and showers installed in your basement if you have one, this fee can cost upward of $500 per temporary fixture. Find out how to use a rented portable toilet to maintain an accessible bathroom facility without such high costs.

Rent Your Own Toilet

All contractors are required to rent portable toilets for their workers and provide at least one per 20 employees. However, you shouldn't count on using that toilet while the renovations are taking place. With up to 20 people using each toilet during those 8 hours, it's likely to be a little less sanitary than you prefer.

Renting your own toilet allows you to have it located near the home and in a private location so the neighbors don't have to watch you go back and forth. You can also choose the amenities included with the portable toilet, such as a hand washing station.

Request a Renewable Rental

When you're dealing with remodeling, you may regain access to the bathroom temporarily only to find out later it's going to need more work. Discovering hidden rot or other unexpected damage is common in a bathroom because water can leak for years without becoming noticeable.

Since you may not know exactly when you'll need the toilet or for how long, look for a rental company that offers renewable and flexible terms. It shouldn't be difficult to request another week of use of the toilet if you make it clear upfront you may need to extend your original agreement.

Include a Hand Washing Station

If the toilet isn't accessible or working in your bathroom, it's likely that the sink is removed or disconnected as well. While you can still wash your hands in the kitchen sink after using a portable toilet, doing so creates a lot of chances for bacteria to spread as you open doors and turn on faucets with contaminated hands.

An outdoor hand washing station located on or next to a portable toilet makes a lot more sense and usually costs less than you think. The station includes a water tank and a holding tank for the wastewater, and some stations even include tiny heaters to give you warm water for washing your hands.

Consider a Restroom Trailer

Even the cleanest and the most well-appointed portable toilet doesn't offer a regular bathroom experience. If you're undertaking a major home renovation that might leave your bathroom unusable for more than just one to two weeks, consider renting a restroom trailer instead.

These trailers have normal restrooms built onto them, complete with lights, private stalls, and sinks. Some even feature showering facilities so you don't have to go to a neighbor's house for a shower. They do cost more than basic portable toilets, but the cost is likely worth the extra comfort when you need a longterm solution.

Negotiate with the Contractor

Finally, some contractors may be willing to include the rental of a portable toilet just for you and your family as part of their contract. Contractors often have access to better deals since they're already renting at least one toilet for the crew and can include your rental along with that order for a bulk discount.

Portable Toilets Don't Have to Be Stinky and Gross

What's the first word that comes to mind when you think about portable toilets? Smelly? Gross? You're not alone if you have this impression. There are some gross portable toilets out there, but it's a mischaracterization to assume they are all that way. When chosen and maintained properly, portable toilets and restrooms can be clean, comfortable facilities.

Here are some tips to ensure the portable toilets you rent for your next event exceed expectations.

Rent From a Reputable Company

The best portable toilet rental companies regularly replace their toilets, clean them very carefully between customers, and go above and beyond to ensure their customers — and the customers' guests — are satisfied. Check reviews before you rent from a portable toilet company, and steer clear of companies reputed to have dirty toilets or have poor service.

Have the Toilets Serviced Throughout Your Event

If you leave the same toilets on site without service throughout a week-long event, they will certainly be gross by the time the event ends. Reputable toilet rental companies are happy to come clean and service their toilets throughout the week.

How often you need service depends on the nature of the event. For example, if you have festival-goers present 24 hours a day for a whole week, you may need to have the toilets cleaned daily. On the other hand, if you only have people on-site for three hours a day, you may be able to get away with having them serviced every few days.

Your toilet rental company can recommend a service schedule based on the characteristics of your event.

Rent Enough Toilets

One of the most common causes of dirty toilets is underestimation of how many toilets you need. If you have 300 people using one toilet, that toilet will get dirty quickly. Here are some basic guidelines to help you determine how many toilets you should rent.

For events up to four hours, rent at least one toilet per 100 guests.

For events longer than four hours, rent at least two toilets per 100 guests.

If alcohol is being served, double the number of toilets you would typically rent.

Every event is different. Describe your event to the toilet rental company representative, and they can recommend the proper number of toilets for you. Do not attempt to save money by renting fewer than their recommendation; you'll just end up with dirty toilets and long lines.

Rent Hand Washing Stations, Too

Toilets stay a lot cleaner if your guests are able to wash their hands. Many toilet rental companies also offer hand washing stations, so rent a few of these, too. Rent about one hand washing station for every four toilets. Make sure the hand washing station is clearly visible from the toilets so guests do not skip using it.

Have Staff Monitor the Toilets

On the day of your event, assign a staff member to monitor the toilet area. They can restock toilet paper as it runs out and close any portable toilets that may have become dirty and unusable.

Consider Restroom Toilets for More Upscale Events

No matter how clean you keep portable toilets, they are still seen as a bit informal, so you may not want them at an event like a wedding or upscale dinner show. For events like these, you are better off renting portable restroom trailers. With running water and spacious stalls, they are easier to keep clean and create a better impression with guests.

5 Tips for Efficient Portable Toilet Use at Your Next Event

When attending an outdoor event like a concert or a festival, the last thing guests want to do is spend all night waiting in line to use the toilet. While lines may form occasionally, there's a big difference between waiting 5 minutes and waiting for a half hour. Short porta potty lines make for happy guests, and happy guests make for great reviews. Keep porta potty use swift and efficient at your next event by following these tips.

1. Rent Enough Porta Potties

The most common cause of long porta potty lines is a miscalculation on the part of event coordinators. If you're expecting 2,000 guests, two porta potties just won't cut it.

As a starting point, plan on renting at least eight toilers per 1,000 people per four hours of event time. Increase your number by 20 percent if you're serving alcohol.

Calculating how many porta potties you need can get complicated, as it depends on the number of guests you expect, whether or not alcohol is being served, the length of the event, and numerous other factors. Your best bet is to call your toilet rental company, give them all of the details of your event, and then rent as many portable toilets as they recommend.

2. Provide Separate Hand Washing Stations

Without hand washing stations, guest may spend a lot of extra time in the porta potty trying to avoid touching anything and figuring out how to sanitize their hands. If you rent separate hand washing stations, guests can get in and out of the toilets themselves more quickly, which keeps the line moving.

Lines at the hand washing won't be as long, as some guests, even when provided with a hand washing station, will use hand sanitizer instead and skip the line.

3. Arrange the Porta Potties in a U-Shape

If you're hosting a very large event with a lot of porta potties, arrange them in a U-shape rather than in a straight line. Several large marathons arrange their porta potties this way, and it has created a bit of a buzz in the running community. The U-shaped arrangement makes it easier for guests to see which porta potties are empty and move towards any empty one swiftly.

4. Provide Several Toilet Areas

Even if you have enough toilets, the more people gather in the toilet area, the slower the lines will flow - just because people will have to nudge around each other and figure out who is in what line. Sp for large events with a lot of people and a lot of toilets, divide the porta potties between at least two different areas. This not only cuts down on congestion in the toilet area, but it also prevents guests from having to walk as far.

5. Create Signs Pointing to the Toilets

Many events suffer from a lack of toilet signage. If guests have to hunt for the toilet area, they will be more frantic when they finally get there. And frantic guests are more likely to be rude and disorderly.

Include your toilet areas on any maps of your event, such as those you post on your website or hand out at the gate. Also, place signs throughout the event grounds with arrows directing guests toward the toilets. A large sign placed outside the toilet area won't hurt, either.

If you follow the tips above, your guests will have a more enjoyable, efficient restroom experience at your large outdoor event. For more tips or to schedule your toilet rental in the Youngstown, Ohio area, contact Tom's today.

Two Situations in Which You Definitely Need a Portable Toilet Rental

If you've ever hosted a large party or had houseguests for an extended period of time, you may have wondered about the impact of these extra guests on your household's septic tank or plumbing.

While a temporary increase in the number of people in a household isn't usually enough to cause long-term plumbing damage, there are some circumstances in which renting a portable toilet is not only more convenient but also more cost-effective.

Read on for two specific situations that may require a portable toilet rental, as well as what you can do to make this process as easy and aesthetically-pleasing as possible.

1. Extensive Home Construction or Remodeling

During the Great Recession, those in the market for home construction or renovation work were largely able to set their own schedule. Because many contractors were scrambling for work, homeowners were able to quickly line up this work and ensure their project remained a priority throughout the process.

Today, a much more robust construction market means that homeowners are often waiting weeks, months, or even up to a year before their projects near completion. Many contractors are juggling multiple projects at once, and may only make it out to a specific homeowner's house once or twice per week until they complete the work.

Because of this, it can be tough for homeowners to arrange their own schedules to accommodate outdoor construction work. You may not necessarily want to leave your home unlocked all day with the hope that your contractor will make some time to work on your project, but you also don't want your contractor to be forced to leave to find a public restroom (or worse, relieve him- or herself outside your home).

By renting a portable toilet for your contractors to use while performing outdoor construction, you'll be able to kill two proverbial birds with one stone: creating a sense of priority while also providing the convenience of bathroom facilities without having to have strangers traipsing in and out of your home.

2. Weddings, Receptions, or Other Large Events

Hosting a wedding, wedding reception, anniversary party, or other celebration at your home can be an intimate and convenient way to gather your closest friends, family members, and colleagues without paying exorbitant venue rental fees. But even if you have more than one bathroom at your home, trying to handle the restroom needs of dozens or more guests can be a challenge without some extra help.

Homes with septic tanks may be especially vulnerable to problems stemming from a sudden uptick in water and toilet usage. Even just a few hours of heavy use may cause issues, and on your special day, the last thing you want to do is wade through a puddle of sewage seeping from a newly cracked or leaking septic tank.

Renting a portable toilet can minimize the wear and tear on your household's toilets and bring the bonus of ensuring that nosy guests don't take the liberty of rifling through your medicine cabinets.

And if you've balked at the idea of renting a portable toilet for fear of ruining the ambiance of your event, you don't need to worry. Today's portable toilets are far more discreet than older models and look more like a small trailer from the outside than a construction-site port-a-john. Inside, these portable toilets include plumbed sinks, hand sanitizer, mirrors, and even a small powder room or changing area for additional privacy.

Once your party has ended, the portable toilet rental company will swing by to pick the trailer up and dispose of its contents. This effortless process can be both a literal and figurative relief for party planners everywhere.

Five Cool Facts About Portable Toilets

You see them when you drive past construction sites, and you use them when you go to festivals and concerts — but how much do you really know about portable restrooms? They're more than just no-flush toilets inside a green or blue box. Portable toilets have an interesting history and are an asset to society in many ways. Here are five cool facts you probably don't know about portable toilets.

1. Portable Toilets Originated During World War II

Ship crew members who spent a long time out at sea were the first to use portable toilets. Made of wood and metal, they were far more basic than the portable toilets used today. Smells would emerge from the toilets since there was no liquid in the toilets to kill bacteria or keep odors at bay. When the ship would dock, cleaning the portable toilets was a challenge.

Thankfully, advancements in the coming decades made porta potties more sanitary and user-friendly. In the 1970s, manufacturers began making them from fiberglass, which was easier to clean but very fragile. Soon after, polyethylene, a less-fragile plastic, replaced fiberglass as the porta-potty material of choice.

2. The "Blue Liquid" Used to Contain Formaldehyde

You've probably heard of formaldehyde, the preservative that was once used in embalming fluids and to preserve animal specimens for science classes. Formaldehyde also used to be a key component of the blue liquid used in portable toilets. It was excellent at killing dangerous bacteria, but unfortunately, it was also terrible for the environment — not to mention, a carcinogen.

3. Portable Restrooms Save Water

When you think of water-saving strategies, you may think of taking a shorter shower and turning off the water while you brush your teeth. However, portable toilets are another important water-saver. Experts estimate that the use of portable restrooms saves about 45 billion gallons of fresh water each year since these toilets do not flush water with every use. By renting portable toilets, you're helping to conserve the earth's limited fresh water supply.

4. The Portable Restroom Industry Is Growing

The portable toilet restroom industry has seen an average annual growth of 3.1 percent between 2012 and 2017. This growth likely mirrors the growth of the construction industry. As the economy has continued to recover from the 2008 market collapse, individuals and companies have begun building again. Construction companies are some of the most common renters of portable toilets, so as construction expands, so does the toilet rental industry.

Expansion of the toilet rental industry means more jobs. It also paves the way for greater innovations that make portable restrooms more comfortable and practical.

5. Specialists Research Porta Potty Use at Road Races

If you have ever run a local 5K or marathon, you're familiar with the long lines that form at porta potties. Running races are unique in that everyone who uses the porta potties is trying to do so at the same time — before the race. But did you know that there are experts whose job is to study the use and placement of porta potties at races?

These experts observe how and when runners use the toilets and make recommendations to race directors as to the number of toilets to rent, where to place them, and how to arrange them. Better toilet arrangements attract more runners to the race, so the research these experts do is profitable.

Now that you know a bit more about portable toilets, are you ready to rent some? Tom's Industrial Cleaning Service offers portable toilets and restrooms for every occasion. Contact us to schedule your rental or learn more about our services.

3 Advantages of Renting Portable Toilets for Your Next Big Event

When planning a big outdoor party or another event, it is easy to focus on things that bring excitement to the gathering. However, it is just as critical to keep the less-glamorous details in mind beforehand - otherwise, even the best event can quickly fall apart.

One of those details is the provision of bathroom facilities for your guests. Rather than leave it up to chance, it's important to plan where and how guests can take care of personal needs. Unfortunately, many hosts assume their own bathrooms will suffice and don't think about the ramifications of inviting dozens, perhaps hundreds, of guests into their homes.

For that reason, it's worthwhile to consider renting toilets for any type of big outdoor event being held at your home or property. Below are three advantages of having rental toilets provided for your guests.

1. Preserve Your Guests' Privacy and Comfort

If you allow guests to use your bathrooms, their accessibility may be limited by the distance from the event to the bathroom and by the number of bathrooms available. In addition, it can be awkward for guests who enter a home for the purpose of finding a bathroom. For example, some guests may be embarrassed to ask a host for directions and would rather suffer in silent discomfort as a result.

That is why rented portable toilets are a great alternative for maintaining guest privacy and comfort. You can rent as many toilets as you wish and locate them close to the event site, which will greatly increase guest accessibility. In addition, portable toilets are less personal than the bathrooms in your home, and they can put shy or nervous guests at ease.

2. Prevent Damage to Your Home

Another possible drawback to permitting guests to use the bathrooms inside your home is an increased likelihood of damage. Inviting guests to enter your home can literally open the door to breakage, incidents and other costly harm.

For example, flooring can become soiled or ripped as guests walk across it, and the bathroom fixtures could be broken due to abuse or overuse. Perhaps even worse, toilets can become clogged and overflow, which can cause expensive water damage to your home.

These are reasons why renting portable toilets can be a big positive for you. With rental toilets, the possibility of your home suffering damage is reduced or eliminated, and if anything is broken by a guest, you are not responsible for repair or replacement. Renting portable toilets allows you to focus on entertaining guests rather than monitoring your home's interior.

3. Reduce the Amount of Preparation and Cleaning

As mentioned earlier, preparing for a big outdoor event requires a lot of planning and work ahead of time. If you choose to allow guests to use your home's bathrooms, then you will need to add that particular item to your lengthy checklist.

For example, opening your bathrooms to guests will require that you complete several tasks beforehand. Things you will need to do include placing extra towels, stocking up on toilet tissue, making sure there is plenty of soap available and performing an extra measure of cleaning.

All of these tasks can be avoided if you choose to rent portable toilets, as the provider will prepare the toilets by sanitizing them and equipping them with necessary supplies. That eliminates extra expenses and saves you valuable time.

After any big event, cleanup is a dreaded and necessary chore. If your home's restrooms are used by guests, then that will add another cleaning task to your list. However, renting portable toilets will remove the need for you to clean up after the event is done. All of the mess will be hauled away by the rental company, leaving you with nothing to worry about.

If you are interested in learning more about renting portable toilets, be sure to contact Tom's Industrial Cleaning Service. Our friendly staff will provide expert advice and get you ready for your big event.

How Often Should You Pump?

"How often do I need my septic tank pumped?" is a common question among homeowners. While everyone would be relieved if there were a definite answer, that's just not the case. Your septic tank needs pumping once the solid waste builds up to the extent that it's limiting the tank's capacity for liquid.

There are many different factors that affect the rate at which a septic tank fills up, and considering how these factors apply to your situation is the best way to determine how often you need your tank pumped.

Do You Have a Garbage Disposal?

If you have a garbage disposal and use it often, you are sending much more solid waste down your pipes than the average family without a disposal. This food waste takes longer for bacteria to break down than human waste, since the food has not already been digested. Most homeowners with disposals need to have their tank pumped every year, but if you use your garbage disposal only occasionally, you may be able to wait a little longer.

How Many People Live in Your Home?

Septic tanks are usually sized based on the number of bedrooms in a home. So, a two-bedroom home is typically fitted with a tank that handles the waste from two or three residents. A home with four bedrooms may be able to handle waste from five or six people.

If you have more than the expected number of people living in your home, you'll need to have your tank pumped more often. For example, if you have five people living in a two-bedroom home, the small tank is probably going to fill up quickly and need pumping every year or two.

How Good Are You About Flushing the Right Things?

When you have a septic tank, you should really be flushing only the three P's: pee, poop and paper. If you're good about following this rule, you should not need your tank pumped as often. But if you flush a lot of tampons, wet wipes and other items, these items are going to build up in the tank and lead to the need for more frequent pumping. Such items just don't break down as easily as toilet paper.

Do You Use a Septic Additive?

Bacteria in your septic tank break down the solid waste into tiny particles that get rinsed out into the drain field. There are bacterial additives that you can add to your tank every month or so. These substances increase the levels of bacteria so that solid waste breaks down more quickly and your tank fills up more slowly. If you use a bacterial additive, you may be able to wait a bit longer between pumping appointments. If you don't use additives, you'll need to pump more often because the waste will build up faster.

What Do You Use to Clean?

Do you use a lot of harsh cleaners in your home, or are you more of a natural-cleaner person? While a little bleach every once in a while won't do much harm, heavy use of bleach can kill off some of your septic bacteria, causing your tank to fill more quickly.

Drain cleaners are much worse than bleach — just a teaspoon can drastically reduce bacterial levels. If you want to increase the time between pumping appointments, relying on natural products for much of your cleaning is a good move.

The best way to know how often you need your tank pumped is to think about the factors above and give your septic care professional a good summary of your septic tank use. If you need your tank pumped, give Tom's Sewer and Septic Service​ a call. When we arrive to clean out your tank, we'll evaluate how full it is, discuss your use habits and tell you about how long you should wait before your next pumping appointment.